Having the best players participate is the best way to promote the sport.
The problem with only allowing amateurs is that there is no way to ensure a level playing field. Not to mention, the very idea and debate about 'amateurs' is a breeding ground for politics and corruption. The idea of the Olympics being about amateurs is long past (and was always a farce).
As Itse has mentioned, the Olympics are bigger than North America and the NHL. The world participates. If the HNL doesn't want to, that is their choice. But to expect the rest of the world to suffer the NHL's choice is ridiculous. So what you would end up with is Canada and the US sending crap teams. Many Europeans would forego the NHL in Olympic years, which would just cause frustration and angst with fans.
Then, when Canada doesn't medal, fans will whine that it's only because we're not sending our best players.
Yeah, that sounds real good - way better than what the next two weeks are going to deliver, amirite?
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